Stoke winger Etherington: We played some fantastic stuff under Pulis

Etherington says he's annoyed at hearing critics of Pulis - which have included striker Kenwyne Jones.

Etherington said: "We are all enjoying this season, but I am not going to sit here and say it is better because we played some fantastic football when Tony was in charge too.

"He was brilliant for Stoke City football club, and he was great for me as well because he took me from West Ham at a low time in my career and helped me out no end. I think there was pressure from the fans and from above for change, which is fair enough.

"It was understandable and it happened.

"But let's remember that Tony took the club into the Premier League in the first place, and in the time I was here we got to an FA Cup semi-final which we won 5-0, we got into Europe.

"There were some good times and I for one am not going to forget that."